NanoAvionics secures funding to build 280 LEO satellites
Meridian Space, a next-generation satellite broadband constellation being developed by SpinLaunch, has selected Kongsberg NanoAvionics as its exclusive satellite supplier for the initial tranche of its LEO satellites under a contract valued at 122.5M EUR.
The partnership between SpinLaunch and NanoAvionics involves two prototypes—one is an in-orbit demonstrator (IOD) mission scheduled for 2026. Under the funding, an initial batch of 280 satellites will be developed and serially produced.
Beyond the initial batch of 280 satellites, the Meridian Space constellation is set to expand to at least 1,200 satellites, as outlined in its 2021 spectrum filings. To meet the production schedule for the 280-satellite constellation, NanoAvionics will ramp up its manufacturing capabilities by adding a new assembly and testing facility at its European headquarters in Vilnius, Lithuania. Additionally, NanoAvionics aims to continue supporting Meridian Space in scaling the initial network through its serial production and system customisation expertise.
By utilising a proprietary suite of innovative technologies — such as ultra-efficient reflectarray antennas, a pioneering orbital architecture featuring a repeating ground track, and simplified user terminals and gateways — the Meridian Space satellite network will provide affordable broadband connectivity globally. High-performance avionics and payload enable the satellites to deliver uninterrupted global connectivity with terabits-per-second capacity in a single rocket launch. The network is engineered to meet the increasing global demand for flexible, high-speed, and secure satellite communication services for enterprise users.
The IOD mission will demonstrate Meridian’s highly efficient communications payload on board the standard NanoAvionics MP42 microsatellite bus. Simultaneously during the IOD phase, NanoAvionics, in collaboration with SpinLaunch, will develop a tailored satellite optimised for higher performance and launch efficiency. Weighing approximately 70 kilograms each, the satellites for this project are lighter than currently operational satcom platforms and are designed to provide significant performance advantages per kilogram.
“Our collaboration is a clear example of how NanoAvionics enables advanced satellite missions with standardised, scalable technology,” said Atle Wøllo, CEO of Kongsberg NanoAvionics. “The team bringing Meridian Space to market has an impressive track record in disruptive engineering, which, combined with NanoAvionics’ industry-leading small satellites, will open a new chapter in the NewSpace industry and satellite communications.”
Since 2020, SpinLaunch has been quietly developing its broadband constellation architecture and advanced antenna technology while also progressing with its low-cost, high-cadence kinetic launch system. Accessible through terminal-agnostic devices, Meridian’s network will expand the reach of satellite-based broadband to diverse markets.
“NanoAvionics brings a strong track record in small satellite manufacturing that aligns well with our goal of bringing a highly differentiated satcom constellation to market,” said David Wrenn, CEO of SpinLaunch. “Together, we are taking meaningful steps towards providing global enterprises a low-cost, reliable, high-speed broadband service.”
This latest expansion of NanoAvionics’s production capabilities will leverage automated processes to support efficient production scaling to hundreds of satellites per year. Backed by parent company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, NanoAvionics has the capacity and expertise to effectively scale operations for large satellite networks.
https://nanoavionics.com
www.spinlaunch.com/meridianspace
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